September 2018

District completes Local Initiative Projects grant to enhance mobility between transit, major employers, neighborhoods

Stretches of once missing sidewalks are now filled while six METRO bus stops have been significantly upgraded in the Energy Corridor, all part of a 2018 project designed to improve pedestrian and transit connectivity.

The Energy Corridor District recently completed the enhancements as part of a Local Initiative Projects grant managed by Harris County and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The grant, covering half the engineering and construction costs, was matched with District funds for the $260,000 effort.

Now, six METRO bus stops in the District that lacked basic commuter comforts are now far more user-friendly. Benches and concrete foundations were installed at all six bus stops, while a new shelter was put in place at westbound Park Row Drive and Park & Ride Drive.
To help commuters get to a bus stop at Grisby and Addicks-Howell Road, the District poured a five-foot wide, 245-foot long sidewalk on the west side of Addicks-Howell from Fortsmith to Grisby. The sidewalk design conforms to the City of Houston Complete Streets initiative, intended to advance walkability and pedestrian safety.
The District also improved transit connectivity between business campuses such as Shell and METRO’s Addicks Park and Ride, building sidewalks both north and west of the transit facility, plus along portions of N. Dairy Ashford Road.

Local Initiative Projects grants are designed to support transit and pedestrian infrastructure improvements that reduce passenger vehicle emissions, improve air quality and mitigate congestion by shifting single occupant vehicle trips to public transit. The District won a grant by proposing to build safe, comfortable and convenient connections between transit, major employers, neighborhoods, community services and schools.

The project follows District work in 2017 to significantly improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along the Katy Freeway, where it transformed three busy intersections following a Dutch Junction model. That design relies on distinct, well-marked lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, more separation from motorists and protected islands as buffers from right-turning vehicles.